Franklin County 101 Lakeview Court Frankfort, KY 40601-8750 (502) 695-9035 franklin.ca.uky.edu

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES AUGUST 2020

When temps are up, drink up:

Importance of staying

hydrated during the summer

Source: Heather Norman-Burgdolf, extension

specialist in food and nutrition

Simply said, a well hydrated body just works

better. Adequate hydration aids in digestion,

lubricates and cushions joints, protects our

organs, helps us maintain body temperature,

helps remove bodily wastes and makes it easier

for our hearts to pump blood. While it is

important to stay hydrated any time of the year,

it is extremely important during the summer

months when we spend more time outdoors

being active. Physical activity or just being

outside in the heat can cause us to perspire

more, which can increase our risk of becoming

dehydrated.

If you are dehydrated, your body cannot cool

properly. This can lead to serious problems like

heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Some signs that

you may be dehydrated include a dry or sticky

mouth, low urine output or dark yellow urine,

headaches, dizziness, confusion and

lightheadedness, especially when quickly

getting up.

Scientists agree that drinking water is the best

way to stay hydrated. You can also get water

from drinks like 100% fruit juices, milk, tea,

coffee and water-rich foods like fruit,

vegetables, yogurt, soups and broth-based

foods. In fact, watermelons, cucumbers, lettuce

and tomatoes contain about 95% water.

The amount of water you need to stay hydrated

varies by person and depends on your age,

gender, physical activity level, overall health

and outside temperatures. Some general

guidelines on the daily amounts of water

needed for adequate hydration are broken

down by ages below:

1. 1 to 5 years old: 1 to 5 cups

2. 6 to 8 years old: 7 cups

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3. 9 to 13 years old: males need 10 cups and

females need 9 cups

4. 14 to 18 years old: males need 14 cups

and females need 10 cups

5. 18 years and older: males need 15.5 cups

and females need 11.5 cups

6. If you are pregnant, you need 12.5 cups

If you are breastfeeding, you need 16 cups

Increase your intake by making water easily

accessible for you and your family. Keep it

stocked in the refrigerator and on hand when

you are outdoors or being physically active.

Take water with you in the car. Drink water

throughout the day whether you are thirsty.

Make it your preferred beverage to have with

meals and choose water while eating out. If you

don’t like the taste of plain water, you can

always use fruits to naturally flavor the water.

Lime and lemons are obvious choices. You can

also use strawberries, blueberries, oranges,

cucumbers or even mint leaves.

Remember, thirst is your body’s way of

reminding you to drink water. More information

on ways to stay hydrated and other topics

related to raising healthy families are available

at the Franklin County office of the University of

Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Continued from pg. 1, When temps are up, drink up...

Reeca

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From the Desk of Tamera Thomas

Hello everyone! I know this has been a very different summer. Perhaps you have not

been able to visit with loved ones or travel out of town. The goal continues for us to be

safe and to do our part to keep others safe and healthy during this pandemic

experience. I hope you have been monitoring your mental well-being. This situation

has caused a lot of uncertainty and is anxiety inducing. If you are experiencing anxiety or

depression please tell someone or talk with your doctor about it. I have talked with friends who miss

visiting their grandchildren and communicate with them mostly thru social media. Have you been in

touch with club members? Even though our world is different there are some things that I have

realize even more now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, I am sharing my list. Do you have a list

of your own?

1. Life is shorter than we think.

2. I did not need half of the stuff that I possess. Where’s that decluttering lesson?

3. I have too many clothes and have not worn most of them due to working remotely, no

church services or other social outings.

4. I will not take interactions for granted. Return a phone call or text as soon as possible

unless it is spam.

5. It feels good using the “block” or “delete” feature when needed.

6. From now own my meals will be tasty, but very simple.

7. It is ok to feel vulnerable because it helps me to be more empathetic to the plight of

others whether I know them personally or not.

8. Wearing a mask is the “right thing” to do. I’d rather wear a mask than a ventilator or

practice 6ft. social distancing rather than be placed 6ft. under.

9. I have plenty to keep myself busy “at home”.

10. I am truly blessed because I am still here.

11. I have a new husband and l am looking forward to our journey together. As I dust off my

pots and pans, I will remind him of #6.

12. I need to refrain from CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc. They can be hazardous to my well-

being. I am ready for a GOOD NEWS NETWORK.

Now, in reference to meetings for the upcoming year. We will continue to follow CDC, State, Local

and UK protocols. You can find updates on our website or call the office if you have questions.

Currently, we are at 10 people or less. Face masks are required and social distancing must be

maintained during the meeting. The group is responsible for sanitizing after their group meets.

Ft. Harrod Agents will teach lessons scheduled for 2020-2021, however, I want to let you know that

some of them may be offered via Zoom due to the pandemic. Please adhere to all homemaker

reporting deadlines. Continue to share your ideas and interests for programs with me or your

President and Council members.

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Hello Everyone!

I was hoping I would be

introducing myself at our annual

County Meeting but alas that was not to be. So,

let me introduce myself to you if we haven’t

already met. I’m Denise Boebinger, your new

Franklin County Homemaker’s President. My

husband and I have 3 three grown children. My

oldest son, Josh and his wife Katie have

blessed me with my granddaughters Elli and

Georgia. My youngest son, Hawk and his wife

Brittany have my other darling grandchildren

Molly and Hudson. My daughter Emma is a

junior this year at the University of Evansville.

I grew up in Salvisa and have lived in Frankfort

for the past 24 years. I retired from the

Department of Fish & WildIife in 2015 after

working there for over 25 years. I spend my

time watching my grandkids a few days a week.

Recently, I became a Pampered Chef

Consultant to fill up my other free time!

I grew up in 4-H so transitioning into being a

homemaker member was easy. I was looking

for friends outside my children’s friend’s parents

and co-workers circle. I would attend craft

camp with my mom who is a member in

Anderson county. I was introduced to the West

End Homemakers and have been a member

ever since. I know you understand when I say

they have become my extended family. I was

fortunate to be able to attend the first KEHA

Leadership Academy this spring.

During my free time I love to bake, read, craft

and quilt (even though my seams never seem

to match up!). I love flowers and gardening

although rotator cuff surgery has put a damper

on those activities this year. Teaching young

people is one of my great joys and am the adult

sponsor of the 4-H Cloverbud club. I serve on

the both the 4-H Council and the County

Extension Board.

I love walking on the beach on Sanibel Island

looking for shells and plan on spending more

time there next month. Now that you know a

little about me…on to business.

I have someone willing to be Vice President and

Elaine Sims has agreed to stay on as Treasurer

until we can find some else to fill that office. I

need a couple of homemakers to step up and

volunteer to be Secretary and Treasurer. If you

would like to help out in these capacities please

touch base with me ASAP.

Membership dues also need to be sent to

Elaine. I’m sure no one has been able to have

a meeting lately so your dues will need to be

sent to your club treasurer so a check can be

sent on to Elaine. County Dues are $10 per

member. Please try to get these to her by the

middle of September.

I had high hopes of scheduling a lot of

excursions for Homemaker week this year but

unfortunately the pandemic has put that on

hold. Ones that I have in mind are the KSU KY

Riverboat, Rebecca Ruth Candy, Governor’s

Mansion, and Buffalo Trace tours. If you have

any ideas for other outings when it is safe to

venture out please let me know!

While being safe at home, now would be a

great time to earn your Cultural Arts Reading

Award. Search https://keha.ca.uky.edu/

files/2019_book_list.pdf for more information.

I look forward to being able to see everyone again soon. Please stay healthy and happy at home. If you would like to reach out to me, my email is dboebinger@me.com

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Chronic Stress in Today’s World

Source: Dr. Kerri Ashurst, Senior Extension Specialist for Family and Relationship Development, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

These days, it seems like there is a shooting or a major natural disaster every week somewhere in the world. Recent mass shootings, acts of nature, and other events in our world can be overwhelmingly stressful. This can be true even when you are not near the location of the event. Images of death and sadness fill our screens every day now. They can also fill our minds with stress and fear. No matter what your personal stresses may be, the anxiety can affect your body in many negative ways. Stress can throw the digestive system out of whack. Stress can lead to sore backs and headaches. Stress can lead to mood swings and anxiety attacks.

Each age group has some specific common stressors. Life Coach Susie Moore offers some thoughts and advice on how to relax at every life stage.

Twentysomethings: Moore says that people in their 20s may be the most stressed out generation of our time. They may be trying to graduate from college. They are worried about college debt. They are looking for a job. They are dating and trying to find connections. They are dealing with constant social media comparisons to others. One of the best strategies for this age group is mindful meditation. Mindful meditation includes sitting quietly while focusing on breathing and being “present.”

Thirtysomethings: People in this age group are managing a large load of responsibilities at work and at home. They are trying to climb their respective career ladder in their chosen fields. They are becoming parents and home owners. They are also dealing with constant social media comparisons to others. One of the best strategies for this age group is making time with friends. It is hard to make this a priority with everything else going on during these years. Responsibilities pile up and time with friends may end up at the bottom of the list. However, quality time with

friends can lower the stress hormone called cortisol.

Fortysomethings: People in their 40s are called the “sandwich generation.” They are worrying about their growing kids at the same time that they are worrying about their aging parents. They may also have to start thinking about their own health issues and about being physically fit. Social media comparisons to others continue to have an influence. One of the best strategies for this age group is to remember that laughter truly can be the best medicine. It is so important to remember to have fun in your 40s. It is also critical to maintain your sense of wonder and curiosity about life.

Fiftysomethings: Two big stresses at this time of life may be planning for your retirement and become empty nesters as your children move out of the house. These stresses can be earth shattering! Social media comparisons to others can still continue to have an influence, though it is greatly reduced once the primary parenting years are over. One of the best strategies for this age group is yoga. Yoga can boost your endorphins and lower your blood pressure. Even just a small amount of Yoga practice can help improve your overall well-being and your mood.

We all know that a little bit of stress can be a good thing. Stress can motivate us to work harder and try to get ahead in our lives. But constant stress and worry over time can cause damage to our bodies. Stressors in today’s world can be much more chronic, such as living longer with illness or dealing with daily deaths and sorrows on social media. Our bodies and minds are not well-equipped to deal with long-term stress. We must find ways to reduce our stress levels and calm our minds and bodies.

References:

Moore, S. (2016). These are the causes of stress from ages 20 to 59, and how you can find relief. Retrieved October 2019 from https://www.today.com/health/these-are-causes-stress-ages-20-59-how-you-can-t98246.

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Dryer Safety: Have You Looked for Lint Lately? Source: Jeanne Badgett, senior Extension associate for clothing, textiles, and household equipment

Lint, lint, lint. Our clothes dryers are experts at collecting it! Lint is made of tiny bits of loose fibers that break off the yarns and threads in our clothes and linens. Lint is created when our clothes rub during wear or are agitated during the wash cycle. When we dry our clothes in a dryer, the dryer’s air flow directs the lint toward the specially designed lint trap (this can also be referred to as a lint filter or lint screen). If there were no lint traps, all the lint would flow through the dryer’s interior blower and exhaust system – creating a build-up of this flammable, fluffy matter inside the dryer and the external ducting.

When lint traps are properly inserted and cleaned regularly, they do a decent job of preventing most of the lint from escaping into the dryer exhaust system. However, lint traps do not collect 100 percent of the lint released from our items. Over time, lint will inevitably collect in the dyer exhaust system and ducts. This can lead to decreased dryer performance because the dryer needs to run longer to compensate for the lack of airflow caused by excess lint.

It also creates a fire hazard because the dryer may become overheated because of the increased cycle time. Any excess lint trapped in the exhaust and venting system could be quickly ignited if exposed to a flame source. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most dryer fires are caused by our failure to clean them. Does that sound a little scary? The good news is that you can follow these simple steps and do your best to prevent a dryer fire caused by excess lint.

Use the proper, nonplastic external ducting from your dryer to the outside and refer to your dryer’s manual to ensure the venting system is installed correctly.

Check your dryer’s lint trap before AND after each use, and remove any accumulated lint.

Every few months “deep clean” your lint trap by vacuuming the removable lint trap screen and using a small vacuum attachment to vacuum the dryer lint trap area while it is removed.

Periodically inspect the dryer exhaust on the exterior of your home – lint loves to collect there, too! If you live in an apartment or do not have access to the exterior exhaust location, don’t be embarrassed to ask your landlord what procedures are in place to prevent exhaust lint buildup. Fire safety is serious business.

At least once a year, pull your dryer away from the wall so you can thoroughly vacuum the area behind your dryer and check the ductwork. NOTE: unplug your dryer first, and if your dryer is hooked up to a gas line, turn off the gas supply; disconnect the dryer exhaust ductwork from the back of your dryer and vacuum the lint from this area. A thorough vacuuming of this ductwork is recommended, or you can replace any ductwork that is too lint-clogged with new ductwork, which is available at the hardware store.

Fun Tip: Need a convenient place to dispose of your dryer lint? An empty, cube-shaped, decorative facial tissue box makes an easy, disposable mini-trash can in which to collect dryer lint. If your routine and space allow, keep some empty tissue boxes on hand to use as “lint trash cans.” The repurposed tissue box does a great job keeping many loads’ worth of lint contained and reduces the risk of lint scattering everywhere since you don’t need to empty a trash can full of lint. You can simply toss the entire lint-filled tissue box in the trash when it gets full.

References:

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/DryerSafetyTips.ashx?la=en

https://www.thespruce.com/clean-your-dryer-

vent-1824761

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-hook-up-

dryer-vent-1824608

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LEADER TRAINING DATES AND TOPICS

2020-2021

WENT

Thought for the

Month:

As a child many have

memories of hot summer

days spent going on family fishing

trips, attending the local and state

fairs, harvesting crops, preserving

fruits and vegetables from the garden,

sharing stories under the shade tree,

and family picnics on the farm or at

the local park. The event at which the

family was together didn’t matter.

What was important was the time

spent together making memories.

Congratulations to

Tamera Thomas

and

Leonard Magee

on their marriage, August 1, 2020!

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KEHA Reports for 2019-2020

With the disruptions to county and area council meetings, club meetings, and overall KEHA operations, an amended process has been established for submission of KEHA reports this year. The goal is to make the process simpler for counties.

For the 2019-2020 year, counties are asked to submit the program of work reports online via web-based surveys. County reports are due by August 15th utilizing the links available at http://keha.ca.uky.edu/content/impacts.

County Volunteer Service Unit summary reports should be submitted via email attachment this year. Please use the Excel files linked at http://keha.ca.uky.edu/content/impacts to create the Individual Hours Summary and/or Club Hours Summary. Save the files with the county name in place of xx and submit via email attachment to kehainfo1@gmail.com. A copy (either printed or electronic) should also be sent to the area president and area leadership chairman for purposes of area level recognitions. These reports are also due by August 15th.

Questions regarding the reporting process can be directed to your Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences or be submitted via email to kehainfo1@gmail.com

COVID 19 Guidance for KEHA Meetings

In early July, KEHA President Karen Hill provided a guidance document related to KEHA meetings during COVID-19. This guidance document is now available in the Quick Links on the KEHA website. (See pg. 11)

KEHA Officer Training Materials

The Sun Shines Bright will continue as the KEHA theme for 2020-2021. KEHA officer training materials specific to the 2020-2021 KEHA year and connected to the theme are available via the website. The resource materials will include a facilitator’s guide, evaluation, graphic, two sets of presentation slides, an installation ceremony and a “dates to remember” handout. Check the KEHA website to access these resources.

KEHA Club Materials

The 2020-2021 KEHA Recreation, Inspiration and Book List are now available at www.keha.org under the Member Resources tab in the top menu.

KEHA Manual Updates

The KEHA Manual has been updated in its entirety and posted to www.keha.org. Click the Member Resources tab in the top menu to access the KEHA Manual page. On this page, you will find links to the Handbook section, Appendix section, and Organizational Guide. Two printed copies of the Handbook and Appendix were mailed to each county Extension office. The Organizational Guide is available online only. The individual web pages for the KEHA Educational Chairmen have also been updated and provide access to the most current Handbook and Appendix pages relative to the specific chairmanship. Please be sure you utilize the updated Manual, with all pages dated June 2020 or July 2020 in the lower right corner.

Dates to Remember

August 15 – County Program of Work Reports and Volunteer Service Unit Reports due as noted in this News & Notes.

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